George Street's high fashion shops are at your feet, while you're equidistant between the city's two main art galleries. Harvey Nichols and Louis Vuitton are stepping distance while there are bars and eateries amongst the other fashionable names - such as LK Bennett and Penhaligons - on George Street.
By car: around 1 hour from Glasgow and 2 hours 40 mins from Newcastle. There is parking nearby for £12 per day.
By train: around 50 minutes from Glasgow Queens Street, 3 hours from Manchester Picadilly and 4 hours 45 mins from London Kings Cross. Book trains to Edinburgh.
By plane: Edinburgh Airport (25-minute drive)
From the inside, it's hard to see the joining between the original Georgian townhouse and the modern extension; the sultry colour scheme of charcoal grey, aubergine and ruby red sweeps throughout (the denim-blue restaurant is an exception). There's a playful mix of 'old' and 'new' with, for example, classic gilt picture frames enclosing conceptual arty light installations.
Surprisingly little is offered by way of extras - one small, bright pink lounge - although the bar is glamorous and there's a generous 40 per cent discount at a nearby car park. Staff are young and confident with infectious enthusiasm - I was easily persuaded to start dinner with a glass of champagne.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
Expect a sultry palette of greys and reds with glossy but fuss-free furniture, bold wall panels and handsome shower-only bathrooms (only the suites have baths). Cosy and Standard rooms have internal courtyard views and lack the spoiling extras of Club rooms and above, but are good value.
Room types: Cosy Room, Standard Room, Club Twin, Club Room, Club Deluxe, Suite
Key amenities: ensuite shower, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi
The classic Mal brasserie menu covers all the favourites from starters of Thai sticky beef and noodle salad, and oak-smoked salmon to daube of beef and tofu noodle salad. Cooking is competent and dishes filling. Breakfast has a reasonable cold buffet and short selection of cooked-to-order dishes.
Chez Mal Brasserie: English and French bistro dining. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Mains from £14.
Chez Mal Bar: drinks, cocktails and wines. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 5-11pm, Fri & Sat 3pm-midnight. Snacks from £5.
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